Description

Maintenance Supervisor

Location: North Liberty, IA
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Maintenance Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Shift: 2nd Shift, M-Fri 1pm-10 pm, rotating weekends as necessary

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Maintenance Supervisor to lead maintenance operations in our food manufacturing facility. This individual will oversee maintenance technicians, coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities, troubleshoot equipment issues, and ensure production equipment and facility systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

The Maintenance Supervisor will work closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Sanitation, and other departments to minimize equipment downtime, support production schedules, and maintain compliance with food safety, GMP, workplace safety, and company standards.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with technical expertise, excellent problem-solving skills, and experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations

Supervise, lead, and develop maintenance technicians to support daily plant operations.
Coordinate and prioritize work orders, repairs, and maintenance activities based on production needs and equipment criticality.
Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and other equipment-related issues.
Ensure production machinery, processing equipment, packaging lines, utilities, and facility systems are maintained in proper working condition.
Respond to equipment breakdowns and coordinate timely repairs to minimize production interruptions.
Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, equipment history, and preventive maintenance documentation.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce maintenance costs, and increase operational efficiency.
Coordinate outside contractors, service providers, and equipment vendors as needed.
Assist with equipment installations, facility improvements, and capital projects.

Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Ensure maintenance activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety requirements, and established sanitation procedures.
Follow applicable lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, electrical safety, and other workplace safety requirements.
Ensure tools, parts, lubricants, and maintenance materials are properly controlled to prevent contamination of food, ingredients, and packaging.
Coordinate with Quality Assurance and Sanitation to ensure equipment is properly cleaned, inspected, and released for production following maintenance activities.
Ensure equipment repairs do not compromise product safety, sanitary design, or the integrity of food-contact surfaces.
Maintain required documentation for food safety audits, regulatory inspections, and internal compliance reviews.
Promote a safe, clean, and organized maintenance shop and production environment.

Leadership and Team Development

Provide daily direction, coaching, and performance feedback to maintenance employees.
Establish clear expectations for work quality, productivity, attendance, safety, and accountability.
Assist with employee training, skills development, and cross-training.
Support staffing plans, scheduling, and overtime coordination to meet operational needs.
Foster teamwork and effective communication between Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Sanitation.
Address employee concerns and performance issues promptly and consistently in accordance with company policies and applicable labor agreements.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and promote a culture of safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; technical degree, trade school certification, or equivalent training preferred.
Three to five years of industrial maintenance experience, preferably in food manufacturing or a similar regulated manufacturing environment.
Prior supervisory or team leadership required.
Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, industrial equipment, and troubleshooting techniques.
Experience with preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Knowledge of GMPs, sanitation practices, food safety requirements, and industrial safety procedures.
Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, technical drawings, schematics, and maintenance procedures.
Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and respond to equipment emergencies as needed.
Proficiency with basic computer applications and maintenance documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with food processing and packaging equipment.
Familiarity with PLCs, automation, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial control systems.
Experience supporting preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.
Knowledge of root cause analysis, continuous improvement, and reliability-centered maintenance.
Experience working in a unionized manufacturing facility and applying the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Familiarity with SQF, BRCGS, HACCP, or other applicable food safety and quality systems.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Furlani Foods is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Requirements

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, temperature variations, wet or humid conditions, and moving equipment.
Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs or ladders, bend, and reach as required.
Ability to lift and carry maintenance tools and equipment within established safety limits.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Availability to work flexible hours, weekends, or overtime as needed to support plant operations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.